Fabric Softeners & Dryer Sheets

Most people want fresh smelling, soft clothes. They are wonderful to put on and wear! How we get them fresh and soft determines our level of contribution to toxic build up in the environment.
Most people wash clothes using detergents, fabric softeners & dryer sheets- all of which load the environment with toxins while leaving harmful, slow releasing residues behind in the clothing.

To remedy this, buy or make clothing made from natural fibers; such as (organically grown) cotton (conventionally grown cotton is one of the most heavily damaging crops grown, due to the heavy fertilizer & pesticide use), wool, hemp, bamboo, jute, etc.

If you wear artificial or synthetic fibers (polyester, rayon, acetate, olefin, nylon,etc.), you will have a problem with smell (i think fake clothes stink) and static cling. Water needs 'softening' only if you live in an area with mineral-rich (aka 'hard') water. Such water is a challenge because the surface tension of the water molecules are harder to pierce, so residues can remain that leave your laundered clothes feeling unsoft. (so- know your water!) If it needs softening, use one of the following:

20 Mule Team Borax- does double duty- as a laundry booster and as a water softener. Use in wash and/or rinse cycles.
Glycerin - Mix 1 part glycerin to 16 parts water. Add a quarter cup to rinse cycle.
Vinegar - is a water softener. Add a half cup to rinse cycle.

If you want fresh smelling clothes-do your best to get access to a clothesline; for sun and wind dried clothes are the best 'scenting agents' you can get. If that isn't feasible, try the following:

Some people put essential oils (botanically derived essenses) in the rinse cycle. This imparts a scent (that you choose) to clothes. But if you then machine dry them, the scent evaporates. So, instead, hang the scented clothes to dry. Or, fill a spray bottle with distilled water, adding a few drops of essential oil. Shake and use as an ironing spray. Or, press clothes, then spray them with the scented water. Scent will linger nicely.

Then, inhale deeply, knowing you can do so without damaging your lungs. Thanks for nixing the fabric softeners and dryer sheets and going 'au naturale'.
C. Anne